BUAD 101:  Introduction to Business

Fall 2008

Instructor  Dr. Pollis Robertson
Phone 269-965-4121 Ext 2506
Office Hours:
Online:		 Arranged
I will respond to student e-mail within two work days.
Course Prerequisites None
Textbook Required:
 Textbook: Understanding Business, Nickles, McHugh and McHugh, 8th edition, McGraw-Hill Irwin Publisher.
Online Course Features and Requirements Number of tests: Mid-semester and final of which both must be proctored.  

Required on campus sessions:   None

Special labs or practicum: None

Number of assignments:15 online quizzes, 6 online discussion forums (minimum contribution twice each week), 1 stock portfolio activity and report.

Estimated time per week: 6 hours

Group interaction required: Yes, in discussion forums

Scheduled activities or self paced: Scheduled activities

Requirements: Students must have access to the following:

  • Equipment:  You will need a computer that is able to access and interact with the Web. For best results, a Pentium or PowerMac with a 56 Kbps or faster modem and 256 MB or more of RAM should be considered the minimal system.
  • Software:  You will need one of the following Internet browsers: Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 or higher; Firefox; Mac users may use Safari or Firefox.
  • Internet connection: Home users need Internet access through an Internet Service Provider (ISP) that offers a reliable connection to the Internet.
Course Site: http://bb.kellogg.edu
Curriculum Statement This course will prepare you for further study in the business curriculum.
Description A survey course analyzing business organization and management in the areas of marketing, finance, personnel and production. Emphasis is placed upon developing a vocabulary of business terminology and acquainting the student with careers and opportunities in business. Cases and current events related to business practices are utilized.
Objectives The goal of this course is to provide students with an overview of the concepts and processes involved in business and business operations. Upon successful completion of this course the successful student will be able to: 
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts, principles, and operation of the private enterprise system.
  • Compare and contrast major economic systems in businesses throughout the world.
  • Identify the various types of businesses that comprise the business scene, the roles they play, the strengths they have and their observable similarities and differences.
  • Describe the various legal forms of business ownership such as sole proprietorship, partnership and corporation, the nature of each, the processes involved in creating each and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
  • Demonstrate the need for management in business organizations and the role of management in developing an organizational structure, acquiring human resources and creating a supportive work environment.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the marketing function and describe the concepts and processes involved in designing product strategy, promotional strategy, distribution strategy, and pricing strategy.
  • Describe the importance of and the role of the financial management function and illustrate the concepts and processes involved in managing the acquisition and allocation of short and long term funds.
  • Illustrate the risk management functions and describe the concepts, processes and strategies involved in managing risk in a business.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the information management functions and describe the concepts and processes involved in creating and utilizing a management information system.
  • Explore the information management function and describe the concepts and processes involved in creating and utilizing a management information system.
  • Identify and describe the influence of the environments created by labor, government regulation, social responsibility, law and the economy on business decisions, actions and operations.
  • Discuss the competitive challenges facing a business and the business community because of the impact of the external and internal environments because of such factors as new technology, global competition, demographic shifts and governmental regulations.
  • Illustrate the importance of business ethics and social responsibility to businesses long-term success and society's well being.
Grading Final grade is based on an averaging of the below elements:
Percent of final grade
Mid-semester exam 25%
Final exam 25%
Quizzes, one per assigned chapter 25%
Discussion forums  20%
Stock investment report 5%
Total 100%
Grading Scale
Percentage
of Points		 Numeric Grade Letter Grade
94-100% 4.00 A
90-93% 3.67 A-
87-89% 3.33 B+
83-86% 3.00 B
80-82% 2.67 B-
77-79% 2.33 C+
73-76% 2.00 C
70-72% 1.67 C-
67-69% 1.33 D+
63-66% 1.00 D
60-62% 0.67 D-
below 60% 0.00 F
Attendance In an online class it is extremely important that students follow the weekly schedule of activities and complete all assignments when they are due.  Group discussions forums require the input from all members in the group in a timely manner.  An online class does provide a greater degree of flexibility than a traditional classroom course in that you can work on a "twenty-four-seven basis".  However, you must have the group's posting made by a specific time and day during the week.  Points will be deducted for work that is not posted on the Discussion Board on time.  The Assessment Plan will indicate the penalty for late or missed assignments.  Online courses such as this one require that students exercise a great deal of self discipline and get started early in the course on the content, quizzes, and assignments.  CAUTION!  You will be administratively withdrawn from this class if no work is completed by the fourth week of the semester.
"I" Grades: Incomplete ("I") is only given for the most extenuating circumstances.  All "I" grades should be completed by the end of the following semester.

 

Last modified: April 01, 2008 by Linda Younglove © Copyright 2001, Kellogg Community College. All rights reserved.